NFL End-Game Field Goal Decisions Reviewed

The final 15 minutes of a recent NFL regular season game featured four lead changes. A potential fifth lead change was averted when Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop's 44-yard field goal attempt was unsuccessful.

Ravens' Final Drive Strategy

With 14 seconds remaining in the game, following a fourth-and-seven reception by tight end Isaiah Likely, the Ravens were positioned at the Pittsburgh 24-yard line and possessed one timeout. The opportunity existed to attempt to advance the ball further. Employing the remaining timeout would have enabled the offense to potentially gain additional yardage, forcing the opposing defense to cover the entire field and potentially setting up a shorter field goal attempt.

However, quarterback Lamar Jackson took a knee after receiving the snap. This action moved the ball two yards further back, increasing the field goal attempt distance from an initial 42 yards to 44 yards.

Field Goal Distance Considerations

Generally, shorter field goal attempts are associated with higher success rates. The probability of missing a field goal increases with distance, and the trajectory required for a kick to be successful within the uprights is less demanding at closer range. Acrisure Stadium, the venue for this game, is recognized as a challenging environment for kickers.

Related Incident: Seattle Seahawks

In a separate incident on Saturday night, the Seattle Seahawks incurred a five-yard delay of game penalty instead of utilizing a timeout. This penalty positioned the ball five yards further back, leading to a 26-yard field goal attempt that struck the upright. The missed field goal did not impact the final outcome of that game, as the Seahawks secured a victory against the San Francisco 49ers.

Conclusion

The Ravens' strategy on Sunday night, which involved a longer field goal attempt resulting in a miss, along with the Seahawks' scenario, provides data points for coaches evaluating end-of-game decision-making regarding field goal attempts and the prioritization of field goal proximity.